Damascus, VA website:
Lodging in Damascus:
For lodging information in Damascus, please click on the "Stay" tab near the top center of the VisitDamascus.org website
Camping:
Public camping is limited in Damascus.
(2025) The public camping spot (with permit) has been moved to the Camping Area. It has a bathhouse/restroom. This location is less than a mile walk from the race start.
For more information: Camping in Damascus
2 Campgounds are located nearby.
Beartree Campground (~ 7 long miles east of Damascus on Hw 58)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=73579&actid=29
Backbone Rock (campground). ~3 miles south of Damascus on highway 716
Information and fees:
Wautaga Ranger District
Cherokee National Forest
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251757
http://www.rlrouse.com/backbone-rock.html
Abingdon, VA website:
https://visitabingdonvirginia.com
Lodging in Abingdon
https://visitabingdonvirginia.com/plan-your-trip/lodging
The lodging in Abingdon closest to the race start will be off of I-81, near exit 19.
Family Vacation- Labor Day Weekend
Tourism is a large industry in Damascus, and I encourage you to make this race weekend a family vacation. Biking on the Virginia Creeper Trail is a fun activity, with many companies offering shuttles to the top of the trail with visitors biking back down to Damascus (http://www.vacreepertrail.com/). Many hiking options exist in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5302337), including visiting the wild ponies in and around Grayson Highlands State Park (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml).
If you are more interested in the arts, you may enjoy the Barter Theatre (http://www.bartertheatre.com/), the State Theatre of Virginia.